Internship, Software Engineer, Vehicle Software (Summer 2026)

Consider before submitting an application:

This position is expected to start May 2026 and continue through summer term (ending approximately August 2026 or later, if available). We ask for a minimum of 12 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week) and on-site, for most internships. This internship role is for graduating high school students who are expecting to begin higher education in Fall 2026.

International Students: If your work authorization is through CPT, please consult your school on your ability to work 40 hours per week before applying. You must be able to work 40 hours per week on-site. Many students will be limited to part-time during the academic year.

Internship Program at Tesla

The Internship Recruiting Team is driven by the passion to recognize and develop emerging talent. Our year-round program places the best students in positions where they will grow technically, professionally, and personally through their experience working closely with their Manager, Mentor, and team. We provide an experience that allows the intern to experience life at Tesla by including them in projects that are critical to their team's success.

About the Team

Tesla is at the forefront of innovation and one of the organizations that drives this change is Vehicle Software. We build everything from the user interfaces, controls, firmware, and apps that define the Tesla in-vehicle experience. From media streaming and navigation, to the future of Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Robotaxi, you will have the opportunity to level up software that millions of Tesla users experience and interact with every day.

• Build amazing features from the ground up
• Design, architect, implement and debug platforms and interfaces
• Ship quality code that directly affects Tesla customers and engineers
• Work cross-functionally with a team of engineers across multiple domains in software, hardware, design, and integration
• Apply First Principles thinking to break down complex challenges and reason from the ground up

• Graduating high school students with an expected college graduation in 2030
• Ability to work on site in Palo Alto, CA
• Excellent grasp of fundamental computer science concepts
• Proficiency in one or more of the following developer skills: Python, Go, Java, C/C++ or other common industry languages
• Willingness to learn new technologies in any area of the stack

As a full-time Tesla Intern, you will be eligible for:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans. Both have an option with a $0 payroll contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Medical Plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company Paid Basic Life, AD&D, and short-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.